Meetings. We held a meeting on March 23 to discuss action plans for the coming year.
Fisheries presentation. On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Steve Mericle from the BC Ministry of Environment – Fisheries group will talk about the Lac des Roches watershed. He will talk about water quality; flush rates, potential problems from septic systems; fishing and the stocking programs. The lakes covered are Muddy, Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta. The presentation is open to anyone and is from 1 – 4 pm at the Bridge Lake School and will include complimentary refreshments. Members are encouraged to come and be informed and entertained – and enjoy the goodies.
Speed restriction. The initiative for reducing the speed limit on Little Lac des Roches has been tabled.
Fishing highway. The local tourism association is focused on having Hwy 24 officially designated as “The Fishing Highway”. Our society supports the association and all the local businesses that are its membership through our annual dues but we are not active in its marketing or publicity initiatives.
Grants. Both the Cariboo and Thompson-Nicola Regional Districts have had funds available to community groups that wish to develop wilderness access trails. Our executive will monitor the criteria for potentially creating an ecological and educational trail system at the pristine east end of Lac des Roches.
Website. Our website will continue to be used as a communication tool for our community. It will be updated community writing and announcements shortly.
Membership extension. The executive proposes that the $10 annual family membership fee be extended to a two year membership effective after this year’s AGM in the fall. The reasons are that we do not have an immediate need for extra funding and it will decrease effort by both our members and administrator.
Around the Lakes …
Access denied. Lake access for snowmobiles and ATV’s was restricted this winter due to docks and boats stored on public accesses. Evidently, some residents are not aware of the regulations and etiquette for private property placed on public accesses. While docks and boats may be used and appreciated by the public during the off-ice months, they will be removed by the Ministry of Transportation if complaints are received. Blocking access during the winter or on-ice months is un-neighborly and is the probably cause of winter tourists trespassing on private property to gain access to popular snowmobiling trails in the area.
Ice conditions. Recent daytime temperatures in the mid-teens followed by above-zero night temperatures have resulted in some instant darkening of the ice on Lac des Roches. The ice is still over a foot deep a short way out from shore but there are natural occurring holes and thin ice developing at the underwater springs and creek inlets. The rapid melt from the shoreline and restricted access points are usually the triggers that drives people and pets off of the ice despite the safe ice depth further out.
Missing meters. Installers were overwhelmed with the deep snow and cold wind during scheduled smart meter changes this winter so many seasonal customers will find their old meters are still in place. The remaining meters will be changed out this year unless residents post a notice and legally deny access.
Serious critters. Cougars have been a serious problem this winter in 100 Mile House, Green Lake and Bridge Lake, but the animal sighted at Lac des Roches on several occasions earlier this year didn’t stay very long. Tracks on McCarthy and Boultbee showed the big cat came and went in the same week. A pair of wolves has been sighted on the big lake in April and has left several sets of tracks – indicating a regular presence. Although their movement seems to be mostly restricted to the cover of darkness, early morning and late evening strolls could result in an unwanted encounter and walkers, especially those with dogs, should be extra careful.
Slow thawing. A relatively slow thaw so far this spring has been easy on the roads and trails around the lake. Thanks to helpful neighbors and a quick response from the road maintenance contractor last month, the deluge of melting water that went around a frozen culvert and into a yard on Boultbee Road was quickly diverted. Load restrictions are in effect on secondary roads and there is spring mud on most. Snow is disappearing from the fields quickly although protected areas can still be covered with snow well over two feet deep.
Ice fishing. A relatively slow thaw so far this spring has been easy on the roads and trails around the lake. Thanks to helpful neighbors and a quick response from the road maintenance contractor last month, the deluge of melting water that went around a frozen culvert and into a yard on Boultbee Road was quickly diverted. Load restrictions are in effect on secondary roads and there is spring mud on most. Snow is disappearing from the fields quickly although protected areas can still be covered with snow well over two feed deep.
More logging. Substantial salvage logging has occurred in the area, particularly around Wavey and Birch lakes. Removal of dead pine has affected views, trails and roads in the area for years to come. Birch Lake and the contours of the nearby hills can now be seen from Hwy 24 and offer travelers a whole new perspective on the area’s landscape. Resident will be forced to find new sources of berries and mushrooms due to the destruction of the forest and fauna but there are still plenty of untouched and new growth areas to explore.
No contest. As the ice begins to thaw around the shoreline, some residents have been asking if there is an ice-off guessing game this year. The answer is no for Lac des Roches however there are several charity fund raiser guessing games in the Cariboo Region if members wish to participate.
Crafty neighbor. Eva Bechtel of Boultbee Road is this month’s featured artist at the Bridge Lake Library’s Community Showcase. Eva’s display will include examples of her fabric painting, knitting and bead work. The library is located in the school building and open in the afternoons on Wed., Thu. and Sat.
Winged wonders. Our feathered friends are returning quickly. Noisy crows are building nests along Boultbee Road. Geese have been flying around for the last week but open water has been hard to locate until the last few days. Even the beaver and duck ponds near Boultbee Road have been refreezing with the cold night temperatures during March and early April.
Community Interest …
Fire bans. Burning restrictions went in place for the Cariboo on April 2, a month earlier than last year. Burn piles that do not exceed 1 meter high and 1 meter across are allowed but no other open burning is permitted until the fall (Sep. 30).
Post office closure. Effective June 19, 2012 the Bridge Lake Store will no longer hold the contract for the Bridge Lake Postal outlet. Options being considered for a similar alternative are Opax, Sheridan Lake or Interlakes Corner as well as new rural post boxes for mail delivery. “Bridge Lake” mail customers have been asked to return a survey form indicating their preference to Canada Post no later than April 23, 2012 so that a decision can be made. The contact is Sharon Kupsch, 604-662-5809 (sharon.kupsch@canadapost.ca). The closest existing post office is at Lone Butte, a 30 minute highway drive from Lac des Roches.
Garbage out. There are limited options for dealing with garbage and recyclables for the community. The closest CRD refuse site is near Interlakes corner which is always open, as are the transfer bins located at Lone Butte. Several controlled TNRD sites may be options for some residents traveling in that direction. These have defined operating hours and require prepaid tokens for each bag but do offer substantial recycling at no cost. Residents are encouraged to donate their refundable beverage containers to the blue bin at the Bridge Lake Store. The Knights of Columbus service club operates several remote recycle bins and donate the proceeds back to the originating community.